Diamond Club Meeting

January 8, 2008

Members present:  Jed Osborne, Jeff Hershey, Ben Gallagher, Coach Downey, Dana LaDuke, John Hoffman, Sue Bradley, Craig Dickison, Gordy Eicher, Bob Freed, Bob Harris, Susie Severson, Joe Bothwell, Marquetta Nickols, Mark Rosin, Gary Peterson, John Evangelist, Randy Reichert, and Karin Wessberg.

Meeting called to order at 7:05 by Randy Reichert

Minutes from December  meeting:

Ben Gallagher made a motion to accept the December minutes; Bob Harris seconded the motion.    

Treasurer’s Report:

John Hoffman reported that our current balance is $21,700.  The balance is large due to the Florida trip deposits.  This will begin to dwindle soon as payments to Disney will need to be made.  The only additional revenue coming in is $809 from the grocery bagging on December 21.

Coach Downey’s update:  (his complete report can be found on the website)

The following items were shared by Coach Downey:  coaching staff; sponsorship of 16-18 yr old baseball; youth clinic; 8^th grade information night; Minnesota baseball; high school ball field; spring trip; and, captains practices.                 

Coaching staff

            There will be a new freshmen coach in Tim Flaherty, Jr., as Cardell Poe has school commitments that don’t allow for him to coach.  Aaron Moberg will be an assistant for either the sophomore or JV team.  Coach Downey is still seeking 1 additional assistant coach. 

16-18 yr old baseball

SAYB has confirmed their sponsorship of the VFW (16 yrs old) and Legion (17-18 yrs old) teams for this summer.  There will be a Tri-City legion team, but SAYB will sponsor the team that Tri-City does not support.

8^th grade information night

            Coach Downey spoke with 20 people who have current 8^th graders planning to attend MVHS next year.  Also received feedback that many were aware of the upcoming dinner/silent auction. 

            Minnesota baseball

            Coach Downey was 1 of the 6000 in attendance at the recent American Baseball Coaches Association Convention held in Philadelphia.  The ABCA is the largest baseball association in the U.S.  John Anderson, U of M head coach, was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame.  Two years prior, Mankato State head coach, Dean Bowyer, was also inducted. 

            High school ball field

The school board is still waiting on Ramsey County to approve utilizing the upper fields.  The county needs to consider re-doing the current contract with the school.  We anticipate a vote on this yet this month.

Spring trip

Disney should be providing the schedule the week of February 4^th.  A meeting for parents AND players will be held on Monday, February 18, in the Forum.

Captains practices

Andy Peters and Steve Grasley, both MV alum, are helping with practices.  Tuesdays and Thursdays are very busy nights and there have been nights when only the back gym is available.  In lieu of this, Coach Downey is working with Bob Madison to determine if different days would be better.  One immediate option is to add Saturdays from 1:00 – 3:00.  No definite yeah or nay was offered.

Old Business:

1.  Spring Trip update:  Ben Gallagher reported that Air Tran has switched back our return trip to its original afternoon departure time on Saturday, March 22.  Tickets for a Braves game vs. Tigers have been acquired.  At the February 18^th meeting, the “Waiver & Agreement” form will be reviewed.  The agreement will be sent out ahead of time via email, so come with your questions.  Coach Downey will discuss his expectations, and a packet of information will be available outlining the schedule for the week, amenities, dining options, and more.  The final payment is due to Disney at the end of this month and payment to Air Tran is due February 15.

2.  Grocery bagging:  The baseball team was scheduled to bag groceries on February 2, but due to a conflict with the basketball team, we bagged on December 21.  They will bag on February 2 and perhaps split the difference of their earnings with us, as this is expected to be a busier shopping day.  Our last bagging opportunity is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at the Cub in White Bear Township.

3.  Pizza Pals:  Gordie Eicher will be getting coupons in the next couple of weeks to sell at basketball games.  Dana LaDuke brought up the possibility of switching to Chanticlear Pizza.  For now, the plan is to continue with Old Chicago.

4.  Banquet/silent auction:  The committee met this past Sunday, January 6, led by Randy Reichert.  Donations, at this time, retail for about $9000.  75% of donations are in.  The deadline for registration and auction items is Sunday, January 20.  There will be a LIVE auction of the top 3 or 4 items.  Currently, 82 are registered.

5.  Game Day Experience:   John Hoffman reported that 2 or 3 announcers have been secured for the Varsity games.

6.  Captains Practices:  nothing new to report

7.  Year-end Banquet:   will confirm the date at the February meeting

8.  Player Apparel:  Shirts and shorts will be available for the spring trip at the February 18^th meeting for a cost of $17.  The rest of the apparel should be ready within the next few weeks.

A motion was made by Dana LaDuke to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 pm; motion seconded by Jed Osborne.

The next regular Diamond Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5th, at 7:00 pm in the Mounds View Forum. 

Your attendance is welcome and highly encouraged!